VU

Oak Toothcrust

Radulomyces molaris

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Oak Toothcrust faces severe decline due to the widespread loss of ancient oak forests across Europe, particularly old-growth stands containing the large, veteran oak trees essential for its survival. The species requires specific microhabitat conditions found only on the bark of very old oaks, making it extremely vulnerable to forest management practices that remove mature trees. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering moisture regimes and potentially affecting the fungal communities this species depends upon.

Threat summary

Habitat

Oak Toothcrust is found exclusively on the bark of ancient oak trees (Quercus species) in old-growth and veteran tree habitats across Europe. The species requires the specific bark chemistry and microclimate conditions that develop only on very old oaks, typically those several centuries in age.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Frequently asked questions

Why is Oak Toothcrust classified as Vulnerable?
Oak Toothcrust is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Oak Toothcrust faces severe decline due to the widespread loss of ancient oak forests across Europe, particularly old-growth stands containing the large, veteran oak trees essential for its survival. The species requires specific microhabitat conditions found only on the bark of very old oaks, making it extremely vulnerable to forest management practices that remove mature trees. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering moisture regimes and potentially affecting the fungal communities this species depends upon.
Where does Oak Toothcrust live?
Oak Toothcrust occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Oak Toothcrust?
The main threats to Oak Toothcrust are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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